Despite the fact that the world is becoming more polarized and uncertain, there is no reason for you to put your rock thrower away. If you take a look at the most recent Rimfire Scopes, you will notice that the manufacturer has kept both an eye on the future and an eye on the past while designing these products. The end result is a scope that is ready to take on any mission you can throw at it. The use of scopes on firearms is popular not only among those who work in law enforcement and the military but also among civilians who wish to carry a dependable firearm accessory.
Before making a purchase, there are a variety of considerations to take into account, despite the fact that these specialized scopes may initially appear to be the most logical option for people who want to improve their hold on their firearms.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Rimfire Scopes
When shopping for a new rimfire scope, there are several factors worth considering. The following section looks at these in detail.
Intended Use
Before deciding on which model is right for you, think about how and where you intend to use it. If its a simple backyard fun day with friends and family, then a low-cost plastic gun will probably do the trick. However, if you’re looking for a tool that you can rely on at home or while traveling, then invest in a high-quality metal rifle scope that’s suitable for your needs.
- Compasses: Need a reliable way to find north? Then you need a compass! They’re small enough to be easily carried around and large enough to work effectively.
- Handles: A good grip helps control a firearm safely. Having one of those grips allows you to handle a rifle without putting too much pressure on the trigger. This prevents accidental firing.
- Scope mounts: Scope mounts allow you to attach your scope to your weapon so you can move it up and down and side to side without having to physically adjust the angle of the scope itself.
Material
Rimfire scopes come in two main materials: glass and plastic. Glass has traditionally been considered a better optical material because it’s more durable than plastic. However, over time, this view may change as plastics technology improves. Plastic gun optics tend to be lighter weight and less expensive than their glass counterparts. But they don’t have the same durability; instead, they’re designed to quickly become obsolete if they break. It’s important to choose the right balance between the two when buying a new Rimfire scope.
Size/Weight
The size and weight of the Rimfire scope will depend on whether its mounted to a pistol or a rifle and what type of gun it is. For instance, a heavy-duty optic that attaches to a powerful handgun might differ from an inexpensive scope that’s attached to a long barrel rifle. Also consider how much movement you want the ability to perform with your scope. If you plan to mount it on a moving vehicle such as a boat or helicopter, a lightweight scope that’s easy to manipulate would be ideal. On the other hand, if you’ll mostly be using it at home or while walking around, a heavier scope with a fixed position would suit you better.
Mount Type
There are three main types of mounting systems used for Rimfire scopes: peep sights, flip sights, and night sights.
- Peep sights consist of two tiny holes through which the lens fits. These are usually found on lower quality scopes, but they can also be made out of plastic. They’re generally not very sturdy and prone to falling off.
- Flip sights feature four large holes that hold the lenses in place. These are typically made of aluminum and highly durable, though they can be prone to corrosion if proper care isn’t taken.
- Night sights use light bulbs rather than holes to secure the lens in place. They’re often called red dots since they resemble the lights inside a camera shutter. They’re extremely durable and resistant to impact damage, though they must be kept clean and lubricated regularly.
Glass vs Plastic Lens Coating
Most people assume that all Rimfire scopes have coated lenses, but this is far from true. Many manufacturers use cheap plastic lenses rather than optically superior glass ones. While this doesn’t affect performance, it does mean that the coating (usually referred to as “anti-fog”) won’t last as long and could potentially cause issues such as haze or glare. However, even among scopes with plastic lenses, there’s still a huge range of quality. Some coatings are excellent, others aren’t so great. So before buying based solely on price, look into the quality of the coating as well.
Price
As mentioned above, prices for Rimfire scopes vary widely. In fact, some models cost almost $1,000. There are plenty of cheaper options available, however, and most consumers seem happy with them. For those who prefer something more unusual, perhaps a little older school, there are plenty of vintage Rimfire scope replicas available. These are essentially copies of older designs that many fans believe give a better representation of what was possible back in the day.
Types Of Rimfires Scopes
Rimfire scopes are designed for specific purposes. Some are intended to be used in the field, while others are built for use at a range.
Field
A good field scope will have a large window and clear glass so you can see faraway targets without straining your eyes. It should also be compact enough to fit inside a pocket or fasten to a strap on your belt. This is especially important if you plan on using it during cold weather because frosted lenses won’t work as well. If you’re going into rough terrain, such as mountainous areas where there’s lots of vegetation that could get hit by stray rounds, having a small scope with a small window will make it easier to avoid getting shot.
Range
The best range scopes are accurate up to several hundred meters. They’ll typically have a window from about 100m to beyond this depending on the type of sight you want. This isn’t always the case though. Many shooters prefer long-range accuracy over being able to see farther away. For them, a night vision device might be more useful than an actual scope.
Hunting
Scopes designed for hunting applications will usually be lightweight and easy to carry around all day long. You don’t need to lug around heavy optics when chasing down games at close range.
Sporting
If you’re participating in sporting activities like shooting sports or tactical training, then you’ll likely want something heavier duty than what we’d recommend for casual shooting. Sporting rifles often require precision sights with very little room for error. Tactical situations demand equipment that can keep up with you; you shouldn’t be forced to pause every time you take a shot.
Birdwatching
Birders may not think much about their gear, but they certainly appreciate quality optics. A good pair of binoculars can help identify birds from a distance, even if you aren’t particularly skilled at doing so. However, when birding from a high peak, you’ll likely want a Rimfire scope with a wider window and better magnification.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We began by looking for the top-rated and most well-liked models on websites like Amazon, trade magazines, and other online stores. Instead of using binoculars or spotting scopes, we restricted our search to items made expressly for use with a scope.
To make sure we didn’t miss out on current trends, we also combed through product descriptions from reputable retail outlets like Walmart, OpticsPlanet, Brownells, and others to find more recent arrivals. In order to choose our top picks for the best rimfire scopes, we looked at a variety of factors including price point, quality of optics, magnification range, housing durability, and more. The result is a series of lightweight, durable rimfire scopes that are sure to meet your needs whether you’re hunting turkeys in Alaska or stalking caribou in Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rimfire Scopes
What is the best time to buy a rimfire scope?
The best time to purchase a rifle scope is when they go on sale. You can usually find excellent deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales but keep an eye out for military surplus gear that might be even cheaper.
How much do rifle scopes cost?
Rifle optics are generally affordable, costing between $250 and $500 depending on features and quality of glass used. That said, there are some fantastic bargains to be had, with most budget-friendly riflescope sets costing under $200. The more expensive stuff is typically reserved for high-end applications or those who want something very specific in terms of performance.
Are there any safety concerns with using a laser on my gun?
Using lasers on your gun will almost certainly void its warranty from the manufacturer. In addition, using one in conjunction with certain ammo could cause significant damage if not done properly. Make sure you understand how it works before taking it off-island.